OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES The Cover Letter 2014-2015
Cover Letters Texas A&M University School of Law Career Services Office Handout Cover letters are one of the most important tools for your job search. Cover letters serve as an introduction to potential employers, highlight your skills, interests, and experience, and convey your writing style and writing ability. It is important that you spend time writing, proofreading, and personalizing your cover letters. Basic cover letter format Cover letters should consist of four paragraphs at most. The first paragraph tells the employer who you are and why you are writing. The second, and possibly third, paragraphs comprise the body of the letter. These tell the employer more about your skills and why you would be a good fit for the position. The final paragraph is your closing. It wraps up the letter and lets the employer know what you want from them in the future. Be as brief as you can employers are busy and don t have time to read a novel. Cover letters should be tailored to the firm or organization to which you are applying. Research the employer so you can express in your letter why you are a perfect fit for them. The first paragraph The first paragraph is your introduction. It introduces you, your interest in the employer, why you are sending this employer your resume, and what you want. The introduction should grab the employer and give him or her a reason to continue reading. If you have been referred to the employer by someone, mention that fact in the first paragraph. Employers often receive hundreds of resumes for a position, and it is more likely that they will pay special attention to the resume of a person referred by someone they know. If you are responding to an advertisement, or if you are mailing an unsolicited resume, use your research about the firm and creative writing skills to make your letter stand out. Your letter should always be addressed to a named individual, usually called the Recruiting Coordinator or the Hiring Partner, who is responsible for hiring. If you do not know that person s name or title, you should call the employer directly. Be sure to use the correct honorific, such as Judge or Justice for a judge, or Ms. (not Mrs. Or Miss ) for a woman. Here are some examples of introductions: Referrals Joyce Summers from the Sunnydale Neighborhood Association suggested I contact you because of our mutual interest in land use law.
Lilah Morgan of Wolfram & Hart recommended that I contact you, as I have recently completed a special project for her involving family law. Since she is familiar with my work and thought you might have some similar needs, I am asking if we could meet briefly to discuss how I might provide similar services to your firm this summer. Responding to an advertisement I was extremely pleased to see that your firm decided to collect resumes from Texas A&M this year as I have had a great interest in your practice. I am currently a second year student at Texas A&M University School of Law, and am responding to your firm s advertisement on the Texas A&M website. I am interested in your firm because of my desire to practice law in Fort Worth and to gain experience in the field of real estate law. Unsolicited resume I read in Texas Lawyer that your firm has recently set up an office in Fort Worth, and that you will be concentrating in environmental law. As I have a master s degree in environmental sciences and worked in the field for five years prior to entering law school, I have a very strong interest in this practice area. I am requesting the opportunity to talk with you about a summer position as a law clerk in your firm. Your firm came to my attention when I attended the Dallas Bar Association luncheon and heard you speak about changes in insurance defense practice by recent actions of the Texas Legislature. I worked in the insurance business for several years before deciding to go to law school, and I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about the practice. In fact, I am looking for a parttime summer position, and wonder if you could spare a few minutes to discuss both with me. The body The second, and possibly third, paragraphs of your cover letter compose the body of the letter. The body should describe your skills, experience, and how you will meet the employer s needs. Always emphasize your strongest qualities in the letter, whether that is your academic performance, performance in activities such as mock trial, or work experience. If you have a particular background, have taken a specific course, or have other attributes that fit the employer, mention it. Don t neglect your experiences and work history prior to law school. Many tasks you have performed before, whether in previous jobs, volunteer work, or in college, involve skills directly transferable to legal practice. Avoid repeating exactly what is on your resume, and avoid making general statements about your skills and abilities. Give specifics, and use your research on the employer to show how your skills will benefit him or her. If you are applying to an
employer in a different area, or if you are not from the area, you can use these paragraphs to say something that ties you to the city or region if you did not do so in the introduction. Here are some examples of what to include in body paragraphs: I have worked very hard to develop practical experience and skills in trial advocacy and criminal law. As a result, I feel prepared to provide Doherty & Barât with competent, professional assistance in your criminal defense practice. As the enclosed resume indicates, I have had internships at a district attorney s office and a federal administrative agency. I was exposed to a number of substantive legal issues in different areas of law, was given rigorous assignments that helped me develop strong research and writing skills, and was fortunate to be able to appear regularly in court. I am interested in working in the litigation department of a mid-sized general practice firm after graduation. I am particularly interested in Sloane, Sark & Derevko because of its involvement in diverse practice areas and its excellent reputation for quality work. I believe that my strong legal skills and work ethic, combined with my enthusiasm for the law, will enable me to make a valuable contribution to your firm. In addition to the research and writing experience I have obtained through my courses in law school, I gained extensive writing experience in the professional positions I held prior to beginning law school. I worked as a non-profit grant writer, and was successful in obtaining several major grants for my employer. I tremendously enjoy the creative process involved in analyzing matters and producing written work products. It is because of this practical experience that I am confident of my ability to successfully meet the demands of a fast-paced and diverse working environment as an associate in your office. My academic achievements demonstrate that I produce quality work, work hard, and am dedicated to what I am doing. My GPA places me in the top 15% of my class. The closing The final paragraph is the closing. Be sure to conclude in a polite way. Thank the employer for their time. Let the employer know what you want to happen next. For example, if you will be available for an interview on a specific date, or if you will telephone the employer to schedule an interview, put that in your closing. Above all, be confident and positive. Here are some examples of closing paragraphs: If my experience and background meet your requirements for a summer law clerk, please contact me at the telephone number or e-mail address listed above. I will be available to interview any afternoon after 1 p.m.
I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about what I believe I can bring to Black & Bianco. While I do not have a great deal of experience in law yet, I do have capabilities from my prior work that I believe can be transferred to the legal office in a way that will help in your practice. I appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to review my resume. I will call your office to see if we could possibly set up a time when we can meet. I look forward to discussing my experience and qualifications with you. Be sure to proofread your letter before sending it. Don t rely on spell check to do the work for you. Reading a letter out loud can often help you catch errors. Include Enclosure underneath your signature if you are enclosing materials such as a resume, transcript, or writing sample. Sample Cover Letter Format Your name (Single Space) Address City, State Zip Code (Two Spaces) Month Date, Year (Two Spaces) Individual s Name (Single Spaced) Title Firm/Organization Name Address City, State Zip Code (Two Spaces) Dear Mr./Ms. (One Space) How you were referred and why; who you are; purpose of the letter; name of the position for which you are applying. (One Space) Why you are interested in the position and firm or organization, and why you are qualified to work for the firm or organization. Try to keep this to one paragraph; split it into two if necessary. (One Space) Refer to enclosed resume and any other materials you ve included. Express a desire to meet for an interview and thank the employer. (Two Spaces) Sincerely, (Three Spaces) Handwritten Signature Typed Name Enclosure
Sample Cover Letters DO NOT COPY. USE AS A GUIDE ONLY. August 1, 2013 Tony Stark, Esq. Hiring Partner Stark and Banner 2011 Avengers Drive Fort Worth, TX 76102 Dear Mr. Stark: Walter White 308 Negra Arroyo Lane Fort Worth, TX 76107 One of your former summer associates, Jesse Pinkman, urged me to apply for a summer clerkship at your firm. Therefore, I am submitting my resume for your consideration. I was attracted to Stark and Banner because of its reputation for being a leader in patent prosecution. I have extensive experience in chemical engineering prior to entering law school. I would regard a summer position with your firm as an excellent opportunity for you to benefit from my professional experience while allowing me to be exposed to quality and exciting legal work. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the success and goals of Stark and Banner. I am available at your convenience to discuss my qualifications further. I will call your office next week to set up a time when we could meet. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you. Sincerely, Walter White Enclosure
Tyrion Lannister 815 Gold Lion Court Arlington, TX 76003 January 1, 2014 The Honorable George R. Martin District Court, Tarrant County 303 Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 Dear Judge Martin: Mary Tyrell, your former law clerk, suggested I contact you regarding a possible externship in your chambers for the summer of 2014. Mary spoke very highly of her experience working in your chambers, and your commitment to mentoring law students and new attorneys. My professional goal is to practice law as a litigator. I believe that a judicial internship would provide me with the broad perspective of the challenges facing both judges and attorneys that I will need to be a skilled litigator. I am confident based on my academic record that I can make a valuable contribution to your chambers. I am enclosing the following materials for your review: my resume; a writing sample; my unofficial law school transcript; and three letters of recommendation. The letters are written by Professor Baratheon, Professor Targaryen, and Professor Snow. Please let me know if you would like any other materials. My contact information is included on my resume, and I am available to meet with you at your convenience. Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you. Sincerely, Tyrion Lannister Enclosure
Michael Bluth 222 Lucille Court Dallas, TX 76155 January 1, 2013 David Brent Wernham Hogg, P.C. 319 Slough Lane Dallas, TX 75063 Dear Mr. Brent: I am a second-year student at Texas A&M University School of Law seeking to gain practical legal experience in a Dallas firm during the summer between my second and third year of law school. I am a lifelong resident of Dallas and plan to practice law here upon completion of my Juris Doctorate degree program. Last semester, I worked for a Texas A&M University School of Law professor developing a rough draft for a law review article focusing on real estate transactions. I also reviewed and revised class material for a course in real estate law. It is my understanding that Wernham Hogg has a strong real estate practice, and I would love the opportunity to apply any of my knowledge or skills in that area if it would be of assistance to you. I have also proven my academic ability by obtaining an A in the first year Legal Writing and Research course. With my combination of skills and experience, as outlined on my enclosed resume, I feel confident that I can be a valuable addition to your firm for the summer. I sincerely appreciate your taking time to review my qualifications. I would welcome an opportunity to meet with you. I will contact you next week to schedule a mutually convenient time to meet. If you have any questions or need further information from me, please contact me by e-mail at michael.bluth@modelhome.com or by phone at (817) 555-8368. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Michael Bluth Enclosure